You won't need to use Ikea's own app any more

HomeKit compatibility used to attract a noticeable price premium when buying smart home products, but the Matter standard is changing that – and Ikea is now going all-in on this.

The company says that it has more than 20 new affordable Matter-compatible smart home devices in the works, with likely plans to expand into completely new product types too …

A quick recap on Matter and HomeKit

Originally, brands wanting to offer HomeKit compatibility had to comply with an Apple-specific standard, and submit their devices for approval.

The Matter standard eliminates both steps, with any Matter-compatible device automatically compatible with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things. As of the beginning of this year, all Matter devices get the Works With Apple Home badge without any further testing.

20+ Matter products coming from Ikea

Ikea’s entry into the smart home field was notable because it offered a whole new level of affordability, but the promised HomeKit support took a very long time to arrive!

All that has changed, however, with the company telling The Verge that it is relaunching its range, and all future products will support both Matter and Threads (the mesh network capability that allows smart home devices to relay commands to each other).

Starting in January, the Swedish furniture giant will release more than 20 new Matter-over-Thread smart lights, sensors, and remotes with “more new product types and form factors to come,” David Granath of Ikea of Sweden, tells The Verge […]

These new products are part of the company’s ongoing effort to make its smart home as simple and affordable for as many people as possible.

Will include new product categories

The existing Dirigera hub is getting an over-the-air update to support both Matter and Threads standards. That update will only add support product categories offered by Ikea – which is currently mostly lights and sensors – but the company is hinting that we can expect it to move into additional smart home areas later next year.

Initially, Dirigera will only support Matter device types that Ikea currently offers — so, no robot vacuums, door locks, or fridges. However, Granath says that as they launch more smart home products, the hub will be updated to support more device types.

HomeKit users won’t require the hub, however, as you’ll be able to set up and control all the new products directly from Apple’s Home app.

Ikea says affordability remains a key priority, and the new products will likely continue to start at under $10.

Highlighted products & accessories

• Matter-compatible smart home products
• Anker 511 Nano Pro ultra-compact iPhone charger
• Apple MagSafe Charger with 25w power for iPhone 16 models
• Apple 30W charger for above
• Anker 240W braided USB-C to USB-C cable

Photo: Ikea